December 7, 2012UncategorizedComments Off on Three government departments helping to finance Auckland Sexual Abuse Helpline

Press Release – Help
Help, Auckland’s sexual violence 24/7 telephone crisis line, is happy to report that interim funding has been secured for the vital frontline 24/7 sexual violence crisis service for the people of Auckland. “We are overjoyed that our community rallied around to assist in our hour of need and to show they truly value the work that our hard working team of trained professionals provides,” said crisis services manager Aimee Stockenstroom.

“If government funding cuts had gone through, thousands would have been stranded without specialist crisis support at what is unfortunately one of the busiest times of year for rape crisis services.”

“We look forward to longer term funding discussions, and we will report back to our public on their progress. We welcome the development of proposals for the long term funding of this vital sector in Aotearoa,” Stockenstroom concluded.

Press Release – New Zealand Government
Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett today met the Auckland Sexual Abuse Helpline (ASAH) and agreed to an interim funding arrangement with contributions from Health, Social Development and Police.

“I met with ASAH today, Iâve heard their concerns and the Government is prepared to step in to keep the service running without interruption,” says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

They have also committed to a sustainable three year contract with negotiations to be finalised in April 2013.

Ministers want to ensure that victims of sexual violence have a service that can be relied on and that those services are available when needed.

“Police have an important relationship with victims of sexual violence and see a role in supporting these services,” says Police Minister Anne Tolley.

The Health, Social Development and Justice Ministries, Police and the Accident Compensation Corporation have already committed $286,000 for the next 18 months.